Beverage container provided with a dispensing valve with improved operating means

ABSTRACT

Beverage container provided with a dispensing valve ( 7 ) and a dispensing channel ( 31, 33 ) connected to said dispensing valve, wherein an operating arm ( 41 ) is provided which, in a position of rest, includes an angle with a plane at right angles to a longitudinal axis (L) of the dispensing valve, wherein a pressure body ( 19 ) is provided between the pivoting arm and the valve, such that upon a pivotal movement of the arm from the position of rest the pressure body is moved and the valve is opened by the pressure body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application was published in English on May 30, 2002 asInternational Publication Number WO 02/42197 A1.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a beverage container, provided with adispensing valve as described in NL 1012802.

This known beverage container is provided in the top surface with adispensing valve, in particular an aerosol valve, through which beveragecan be dispensed from the container by pushing the stem of the valvedownwards, in the direction of the inner space of the container. To thatend, on the valve, a knob is provided, on which a tube element isprovided extending beyond the outermost peripheral edge of the topsurface of the container, and through which a dispensing channelextends. This dispensing channel terminates in the hollow inner side ofthe stem of the valve, so that, with an opened valve, a fluidcommunication is obtained between the inner space of the container andthe free end of the dispensing channel mentioned.

With this beverage container, for operating the dispensing valve, theknob has to be moved vertically, in the direction of the top surface.This is a disadvantageous operating direction, while, moreover, thedistance over which the knob has to be moved is necessarily equal to themovement necessary for opening the dispensing valve. This results in arelatively small movement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention contemplates a beverage container of the type described inthe preamble, wherein improved operating means are provided foroperating the dispensing valve. To that end, a beverage containeraccording to the invention is characterized by the features herein.

By using an operating arm which, in a position of rest, includes anangle with a plane at right angles to the longitudinal axis of thedispensing valve, an operating means is obtained which is visuallyattractive and, at least in the position of rest, is well visible,while, for tapping beverage from the container, a pleasant tappingsensation can be obtained, comparable to that of a tapping device in abar, restaurant, et cetera. Furthermore, with a beverage containeraccording to the present invention the advantage is achieved that thedirection of movement of the operating arm is a pivoting movement and,therefore, is located in a different plane, at least in a differentdirection than the direction of movement necessary for opening thedispensing valve. Thus, the direct relation between the distance overwhich the pivoting arm is pivoted and the movement of the dispense valveis eliminated and can be selected as desired. Furthermore, by selectingthe length of the pivoting arm and the transmission between the pivotingarm and the pressure body a suitable operating force can simply beselected, depending on the desired tapping sensation. As a result, theoperating force is no longer, at least to a far lesser extent, dependenton the operating force necessary for opening and closing the valve.

In an advantageous embodiment, in the position of rest, the pivoting armincludes an angle with the above-mentioned plane, at right angles to thelongitudinal axis of the dispensing valve between 45 and 135°. Thus,sufficient space between the pivoting arm and the plane of the containerin which the valve has been provided is kept clear for movement of thepivoting arm, while, furthermore, from a side of the container, thepivoting arm is well visible and accessible. Here, it is preferred thatthe pivoting arm, in position of rest, extends approximately vertically,at least at right angles to the plane mentioned. In this manner, theaccessibility, visibility and operation are further improved.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a beverage container according tothe invention is further characterized by the features herein.

With such an embodiment, pivoting arm and pressure body can be cleanedin a simple manner and, furthermore, the pivoting arm and/or thepressure body can be reused with different containers.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a beverage container according tothe invention is further characterized by the features herein.

Surprisingly, it has been found that use of a valve with a stem with aconnecting channel having a larger passage surface than the totalsurface of the or each passage opening through which beverage is toenter into this connecting channel, leads to a particularly advantageoustapping behaviour. Here, it has been found that it is preferred that arelatively small number of passage openings be provided, for instancetwo to four passage openings, while two passage openings lead toparticularly good results.

Here, it is preferred that in the flow path for the beverage, norelatively sharp bends are provided, other than in or adjacent thedispensing valve. In particular the dispensing channel is preferablydesigned such that only gentle bends, i.e. bends with a relatively largebending radius are included therein, so that undesired turbulent flowsand foam formation are prevented.

In a further embodiment, a beverage container according to the inventionis further characterized by the features herein.

Through a proper dimensioning of the riser, the valve and the dispensingchannel, relatively simply a desired pressure drop between 0.4 and 1.5bar can be obtained between the inner space of the container and thesurroundings. Preferably, the dimensioning is such that during use, thispressure drop is approximately 0.7 bar. This means that the beverage canbe stored in the container with the desired excess pressure, forinstance approximately 0.7 bar, which, in particular when using thecontainer for storing and dispensing beer, will lead to a desiredequilibrium pressure of CO_(2.) By additionally providing that a largepart and preferably at least half of the pressure drop occurs across thevalve, a still better tapping behaviour is obtained. It is preferredthat the pressure drop over the dispensing channel after the valve isrelatively small, for instance approximately 0.2 bar or less, so thatundesired foam formation is still better prevented.

The invention further relates to a dispensing device for use with abeverage container according to the invention, characterized by thefeatures herein.

In the further claims, further advantageous embodiments of a beveragecontainer and dispensing device according to the invention are shown.

In elucidation of the invention, exemplary embodiments of a beveragecontainer according to the invention and a dispensing device to be usedtherewith will be described further with reference to the drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 shows, in perspective top plan view, a lid for a beveragecontainer with a dispensing device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows, in top plan view, a container according to the invention,provided with a lid according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A shows a detail of a lid according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows, in front view, a lid according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows, in side view, a lid according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows, in cross sectional view along the line V—V of FIG. 4, alid for a container according to the invention;

FIG. 6 shows, in cross sectional view along the line VI—VI of FIG. 3, alid for a container according to the invention;

FIG. 6A shows a detail of a lid according to FIG. 6;

FIGS. 6B and 6C show two embodiments of valves according to theinvention; and

FIG. 7 shows, in cross sectional view, comparable to FIG. 6, analternative embodiment of a lid with dispensing device for a containeraccording to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In this description, identical or corresponding parts have identical orcorresponding reference numerals.

For a more detailed description of a beverage container with adispensing valve, in particular suitable for the present invention,reference is made to the Dutch patent application NL 1012802, whichdescription is understood to be incorporated herein by reference. It isnoted that also other beverage containers are suitable for use withinthe present invention, for instance beverage containers which areprovided with or can be connected to sources for a pressure gas locatedoutside the container.

In this description, identical or corresponding parts have identical orcorresponding reference numerals. In the embodiments shown, each time, adispensing valve of the female type is described. However, it will beclear that in the same or comparable manner, a dispensing valve of themale type or a tilting valve can be used.

FIG. 1 shows, in perspective view, a lid 1 for a beverage container 2with a dispensing device 3 according to the invention. The lid 1 is alid known per se, pressed from plate material, in particular tin, with aflange 4 which can be secured over an upper peripheral edge of a, forinstance, deep or thin drawn metal container 2. Naturally, lid andcontainer can also be formed in a different manner and from differentmaterials. The upper peripheral edge 5 of the lid 1 defines a plane Vwhich, in normal use of the container in the embodiment shown, extendshorizontally, at right angles to the longitudinal axis L of thecontainer 2. Centrally in the lid 1, as is clear, for instance, fromFIG. 5, a valve 7 has been secured in a central opening, with a foldingtechnique known per se. As a result, a flange 9 is created, under whicha housing 11 of the dispensing device 3 is secured, for instance withthe aid of snap fingers 13, so that the housing 11, and, hence, thedispensing device 3, is detachable from the lid 2 and the valve 7.

FIG. 2A shows, in top plan view, the valve 7 with the flange 9 providedtherearound, together with, schematically, the lower ends 13A of thesnap fingers 13. In top plan view, the flange 9 is provided with anumber of flattened parts 9A, preferably a number corresponding to thenumber of fingers 13, for instance 3, at a regular mutual angle. Thehousing 11 can simply be pushed over the flange 9, whereupon the fingers13 engage thereunder. For removing the housing 11, it is rotated, untilthe fingers 13 are moved with their lower ends 13A against the flattenedparts 9A. Surprisingly, it has been found that thus, the housing comesloose from the flange 9.

In the cross section shown in FIG. 6, the valve 7 is represented only asa hollow, cylindrical tube 15 with, having inserted therein, a stem 17for cooperation therewith. For clarity's sake, customary sealing meansof the valve 7 have been omitted. For a better understanding of such avalve, reference is made to Dutch patent application NL 1012802 and thevalves described therein, and to the references therein, which areunderstood to be incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 6B schematically shows a female valve 7, secured in a valve housing80 with the aid of an inwardly rolled flange 81. The female valve 7comprises a bush 82 with a bottom 83 and a peripheral wall 84 connectedat the top to the flange 81. In the peripheral wall 84 a number ofpassage openings 85 are provided adjacent the upper edge. Within thebush 82, a packing ring 86 is axially movably received, attached to aplate 87 which is biased upwards by a spring 88. When the plate 87 ispushed down, the packing 86 is taken along. The packing 86 is annularand has its the outer edge abutting against the inside of the bush. Inthe upper position, shown on the left-hand side in FIG. 6B, the openings85 are closed off by the packing. The stem 17 can be inserted from thetop side through the flange edge 81 into the packing 86 and be pushedagainst the plate 87. Upon axial, downward movement, the stem 17 willpush the packing 86 away from the openings 85, while the passageopenings 63 in the stem 17 pass under the flange 81. Thus, a fluidcommunication is obtained between the inner space of the container andthe surroundings. The inwardly rolled flange 81 simplifies placing ofthe stem 17.

In FIG. 6C, schematically, in cross sectional side view, an alternativeembodiment of a female valve 7 is shown, partly in cross section. Here,a cup-shaped bush 82 is provided at the upper edge with acircumferential groove 89, open towards the inside, in which a packingring 86 is confined. The upper edge of the bush 82 is confined by aflange 81 of the valve housing 80, such that the opening 90 in thepacking 86 lies directly under the opening 91 in the valve housing 80. Avalve seat 92 is pushed against the lower side of the packing 86 withthe aid of a spring 88 confined in the bush 82. At the lower side of thebush 82, a connecting stub 93 is provided onto which the riser 65 issecured. With the upper edge, the valve seat 92 closes off against thepacking 86 and is provided with a cavity 94 for receiving the lower endof the stem 17 (not shown). During use, the stem 17 is pushed throughthe openings 90 and 91 into the valve seat 92, such that the openings 63in the stem 17 lie above the upper peripheral edge of the valve seat 92,while the lower end of the stem 17 abuts against the bottom of thecavity 94. Upon further downward pushing, the valve seat 92 is movedaway from the packing 86, so that the riser 95 enters into fluidcommunication with the openings 63 and the inner space of the stem 17.When the pressure is taken from the stem 17, the valve 7 is closedagain.

The dispensing device 3 comprises a pressure body 19 which is movablyreceived in the housing 11 and comprises the stem 17 which is insertedinto the tube 15, at least in a part of the valve 7. Therefore, thepressure body 19 is movable in axial direction of the container 2 foropening and closing the valve in a manner to be described hereinafter.At the outside, the pressure body is provided at two diametricallyopposed sides with a wing 21, extending approximately horizontally, withwhich the pressure body can be guided into the housing 11. In thepressure body 19, a channel 23 is included with a first part 25extending substantially horizontally and a second part 27 extendingapproximately vertically at least axially relative to the container 2through the stem 17. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first part25 and the second part 27 link up at an angle of approximately 90degrees. The second part 27 has a smaller cross section than the firstpart 25, the cross section of the second part being, for instance,approximately 2 to 3 mm, in particular for instance 2.4 mm, while thecross section of the first part is, for instance, three times the crosssection of the second part 27. At the free end 29, the first part 25widens somewhat, in which widened portion a dispensing channel 31 issecured, in the embodiment shown in the form of a tube 33 with a channel31 with a passage surface being approximately equal to that of thenarrower portion of the first part 25 of the channel 23. As a result,the channel 23 terminates virtually seamlessly and smoothly in thedispensing channel 31. The end 35 of the tube 33 remote from thepressure body 19 is bent through an angle α of, for instance, 60degrees, with a bending radius R, based on the central axis H of thechannel 31, which is considerably larger than the cross section D of therespective channel 31, at least at the bent part. As a result, theoutflow direction K of the channel 31 is directed downwards and in adirection somewhat away from the container 2. The tube 33 is preferablyfixedly connected to the pressure body 19 and can optionally be formedin one piece therewith. Therefore, the tube 33, upon an axial movementof the pressure body 19, moves along with it. On the top surface 37 ofthe pressure body 19, at the side remote from the tube 33, an incliningsurface 39 is provided, against which abuts a part of the pivoting arm31 to be described hereinafter.

The housing 11 comprises an annual part 45 having, at the side of thetube 33, a relatively low height, while at the side remote therefrom, ithas a height such that the upper edge 45 forms a shoulder 49 on oppositesides of the slot-shaped recess 47. At a lower end, the pivoting arm 41is provided with two shaft ends 53 extending on opposite sides of a footpart 51, which shaft ends are confined under the shoulders 49 andtogether define a rotational axis Z for the pivoting arm 41. The lowerend 43, directed in the direction of the tube 33, at least the pressurebody 19, is substantially convex. FIG. 6A represents, somewhat enlarged,the dispensing device 3, in which the convex art 43 is clearly shown. Inthe different Figures, the pivoting arm is shown in position of rest,with the pressure body 19 in the upper position and, consequently, thevalve 7 closed. Then, the lower part 55 of the foot part 51 abutsagainst the inclining surface 37 of the pressure body 19, the distancebetween the contact surface of the bottom part 55 and the inclining part37 to the pivot axis Z being D₁. Somewhat above the lower end 55, thedistance from the outer surface 57 of the convex part 43 to the pivotaxis Z, which distance is indicated with D₂, is greater than thedistance D₁ mentioned. This means that when the pivoting arm 41 ispivoted about the pivot axis Z in the direction T, i.e. in the directionof the tube 33, the convex surface 43 is moved along the incliningsurface 37, whereby, with an increase of the distance between said outersurface 57 and the pivot axis Z, the pressure body 19 is pushed awaydownwards, i.e. axially along the longitudinal axis L in the directionof the upper surface V. Thus, the valve 7 is opened and the beverage canflow out of the container 2 via the channel 23 and the dispensingchannel 31 to the surroundings in the direction K. In the embodimentshown, the convex surface 43 is bent in relation to the pivotal axis Zsuch, that upon a pivotal movement in the direction T at an angle of,for instance, approximately 15 degrees, a maximum downward movement ofthe pressure body 19 is obtained, while the pivot axis 41 cannot pivotfurther. Naturally, the outer surface 57 of the convex part 43 can alsobe designed such that for a maximum movement of the pressure body 19, apivotal movement of the pivoting arm 41 through a smaller or,conversely, much larger angle is necessary, or that the pivoting arm 41has already effected the complete axial movement of the pressure body 19at a relatively small angle, while the pivoting arm 41 can be movedfurther, for instance to an approximately horizontal position orfurther, for instance by pivoting the pivoting arm through an angle ofapproximately 90 degrees. For the specific embodiment of the pivotingarm 41, at least the curved part 43 and the length of an engaging part59 fixedly connected thereto and extending, in a position of rest,approximately vertically, at least including a relatively slight angle βwith a vertical line Q, parallel to the longitudinal axis L, a selectioncan for instance be made based on a desired tapping sensation. The factis that sometimes, in tapping devices, it is customary to select arelatively small operating angle of a pivoting arm, while, conversely,in other places, at other moments or with other kinds of beverages, arelative large pivotal movement is selected. These are differences knownper se, for instance nationally determined, at least so occurring, whichcan be simply met by the specific design. Naturally, also thecooperating surfaces 37 and 57 can be designed differently, depending onthe desired tapping behaviour.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the pivoting arm 41 can be pulledbackwards in the direction remote from direction T, so that this iscompletely free from the pressure body 19. Subsequently, the pressurebody 19 can be pulled away upwards, free from the tube 15, so that thepressure body 19 with the tube 33 can be cleaned, can be replaced andcan be reused. For the same reason, the housing 11 can be pulled freefrom the container 2 by releasing the snap fingers 13.

At least at the side proximal to the tube 33 and, therefore, for theuser of the tapping device, the most logical set-up side, the engagingpart 59 of the pivoting arm 41 has a somewhat convex outer surface 61,the respective part 59 furthermore having, in front view, as shown infor instance FIG. 3, a substantially circular shape. Preferably, on thissurface, product identification means have been provided, such as abrand, a logo and the like (not shown)

In the stem 17, a number of passage openings 63 are provided, in theexemplary embodiment shown, two diametrically opposed passage openings.These passage openings have a relatively small passage surface, togethersmaller than the passage surface of the second part 27 of the channel23. These openings have, for instance, a diameter between 1 and 2 mm, inparticular between 1.4 and 1.6 mm and preferably approximately 1.5 mm.The valve 7 is designed such that with the valve closed, beverage cannotexit into the channel 23, while with the valve 7 opened, beverage canflow from the container, for instance, through a riser 65 (FIG. 6A)connected to the tube 15 and through the passage openings 63 into thesecond part 27 and thus into the channel 23, while flows of beverageflowing through the passage openings 63 will meet near the middle of thesecond part 27 and will lead to a relatively large pressure drop. Bothwith an opened and with a closed valve, the end 67 of the stem 17 remotefrom the first part 25 is closed, so that no beverage can flow throughit into the channel 23. To that end, a closed end surface of the stemcan be provided or the valve 7 can be designed such that it preventsbeverage entering through the end 67 mentioned.

The riser 65 has a relatively large passage, for instance comparable tothat of the dispensing channel 31, so that the greater part of apressure drop between the free end of the riser 65 and the free end ofthe dispensing channel 31 occurs substantially across the valve 7, atleast across the valve 7 and the stem 17 with the passage openings 63.Surprisingly, it has been found that, in this manner, a particularlygood tapping behaviour is obtained. Without wishing to be bound to anytheory, it seems this is the result of the fact that foam formationoccurring in or near the valve 7 and the stem 17 is at least largelyundone in the dispensing channel 31, so that undesired foam formation isprevented. This is partly obtained by the relatively large bendingradius R of the channel 31 near the free end, which radius is, forinstance, 3.5 or even seven times or more the diameter D of the channel31 ter plaatse.

In the use of a container according to the invention for carbonatedbeverage, in particular beer, it is preferred that the beverage isstored in the beverage container at an excess pressure relative to thesurroundings which is, for instance, between 0.4 and 1.5 bar, for beerin particular about 0.7 bar. It has also been found that it isparticularly advantageous when the beverage, in particular the beer,flows into a glass virtually pressureless, at least without excesspressure. With a beverage container according to the invention, theriser, the valve and the dispensing tube are therefore dimensioned andgeared to each other, such that flow through the riser, valve anddispensing channel, respectively, involves a pressure drop between 0.4and 1.5 bar, in particular approximately 0.7 bar, at least a pressuredrop equal to the difference in pressure between the inner space of thecontainer and the surroundings. Then, the pressure drop across the valveis relatively large, preferably at least half the total pressure drop,while the pressure drop across the dispensing channel is preferablysmaller than the pressure drop across the valve, for instance 0.2 bar orless. It seems this offers the advantage that, possibly, the beverage inthe dispensing channel can calm down to some extent when undesired foamformation should occur in the valve, for instance when some excesspressure prevails in the container. This is even further improved whenthe dispensing channel near the free end widens somewhat.

In FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment of a container, at least a lid withdispensing device according to the invention is shown, in which thedispensing channel 33 is provided with a supporting element 90 restingon the peripheral edge 5 of the lid 2. In view of the relatively smallaxial movement of the stem 17 in proportion to the length of thedispensing channel between the supporting element 90 and the stem 17,the free end of the dispensing channel 33, in such an embodiment, willmove relatively little, while the dispensing channel 38 is properlysupported.

In this embodiment, the pivoting arm 41 is provided with a lower end 43having a larger convexity than the pivoting arm shown in FIG. 6, a tooth43A being provided which limits the pivotal movement of the pivoting arm41 in the direction of the dispensing channel 33. The fact is that upona pivotal movement through an angle greater than the angle γ in FIG. 7,the tooth 43 will contact the pressure body 19, so that further pivotingis prevented. In this position, the stem 17 is moved downwardsmaximally. However, as indicated hereinabove, the pivoting arm can bepivoted backwards, i.e. in the direction away from the dispensingchannel 33 through an angle of approximately 90° or more, so that thepressure body 19 with the stem 17 can be detached from the valve and canbe removed, together with the dispensing channel 33. Then, this can becleaned separately and be reused. As described earlier, the housing 11can also be detached.

Furthermore, an embodiment according to FIG. 7 is particularly suitablefor use with a tilting valve, as the movement of the pressure body 19can effect a tilting of the stem 17, so that such a tilting valve can beopened.

The invention is not in any way limited to the exemplary embodimentspresented in the description and shown in the drawings. Many variationsthereon are possible within the framework of the invention as outlinedby the claims.

For instance, the pivoting arm and the housing may be designed in adifferent manner, the pivoting arm, for instance, being formed in onepiece with the housing and being connected therewith by means of aliving hinge. In the embodiment described, the different parts of thedispensing device are preferably manufactured from plastic, althoughalso, for instance, metal parts may be used, for instance for thebeverage dispensing channel or for the pivoting arm, with which bothmechanical and esthetic advantages can be achieved. The valve 7 may besecured in the lid 2 in a different manner, while any type of valve, inparticular the aerosol valve type, can be used within the invention. On,in particular, the somewhat convex surface of the pivoting arm 41proximal to the beverage dispensing channel, advertising or otherindications can be provided. Also, the pivoting arm can be designed tobe partly transparent, wherein the advertising utterance mentioned canbe provided on the rear side, for instance by in-mould labelling, aprinting technique or the like. Naturally, the pivoting arm 41 may haveany desired form and may be chosen, for instance, depending on thecontents.

These and many comparable variations are understood to fall within theframework of the invention as outlined by the claims.

1. An apparatus for dispensing a beverage, comprising a housing providedwith at least one connecting element for connecting to a container, anda pressure body, made as a separate part from said housing, movablerelative to said housing and carrying a dispensing channel extendingoutside said housing, further comprising an operating arm which ispivotal around a pivotal axis connected to said housing and in aposition of rest extending from said housing distanced from said atleast one connecting element, wherein said pressure body is provided atleast partly within said housing adjacent said pivoting arm, such thatupon pivotal movement of said pivoting arm around said pivotal axis saidpressure body is moved relative to said housing, said pressure bodybeing removable from said apparatus for cleaning while said housingremains attached to said container and then being reinstallable in saidapparatus.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising abeverage container provided with a dispensing valve, said housing beingconnected to said container by said at least one connecting element,such that said pressure body is provided between said operating arm andsaid beverage valve and upon a pivotal movement of the arm from saidposition of rest, the pressure body is moved and the valve is opened bythe pressure body.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein saidoperating arm includes, in said position of rest, an angle with a planeat right angles to a longitudinal axis of the dispensing valve.
 4. Anapparatus according to claim 3, wherein in the position of rest and thepivoting arm being in contact with the pressure body, the pivoting armincludes an angle between 45 and 135 degrees with said plane.
 5. Anapparatus according to claim 4, wherein said arm extends in saidposition of rest, substantially vertically.
 6. An apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the arm, for opening the valve, can and must perform apivotal movement in the direction directed towards the dispensingchannel.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressure bodyis detachable from the valve, such that it can be used with severalbeverage containers or can be cleaned separately from the beveragecontainer.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressurebody is provided with a connecting means for coupling it to the valve,such that a channel in the pressure body on the one hand, is in fluidcommunication with a passage of the valve and, on the other hand, is orcan be brought in fluid communication with the dispensing channel,wherein said housing is arranged at least partly over the pressure body,wherein the pivoting arm is pivotally connected to the housing part andhas a pressure surface abutting the pressure body, at least duringpushing down of the pressure body in or towards a position opening thevalve.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the pressuresurface contains a bent lower face of the pivoting arm which abuts a topside of the pressure body, wherein the lower face is located other thanconcentrically relative to a pivot axis of the pivoting arm.
 10. Anapparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the container a pressuredevice is provided in which a pressure gas is received under excesspressure, wherein a control device is provided with which said pressuregas is dispensed into the container in a dosed manner, such that withinthe container a relatively constant excess pressure relative to thesurroundings is maintained.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the pivoting arm comprises an outer surface onto whichrecognition means are included for identification of the beveragereceived in the container.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the valve comprises a stem provided with a connecting channelclosed at a first end, wherein in the outer wall of the stem a number ofpassage openings are provided for forming a fluid communication of theconnecting channel with the surroundings, wherein the passage opening orthe passage openings jointly have a passage surface being approximatelyas large as or smaller than the passage surface of the connectingchannel.
 13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein between 2 and 4passage openings are provided.
 14. An apparatus according to claim 1,wherein upstream of the valve a riser is provided, wherein in theflow-path for the beverage, except from near and in the dispensingvalve, only bends are included with a bending radius which is largerthan at least twice the largest cross section of the passage surface ata respective bend.
 15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein saidbending radius is more than 3 times said largest cross section.
 16. Anapparatus according to claim 15, wherein the riser, the valve and thedispensing channel are dimensioned such that during use a pressure dropoccurs there across between approximately 0.4 and 1.5 bar.
 17. Anapparatus according to claim 16, wherein across the valve at leastapproximately one-third of the pressure drop occurs.
 18. An apparatusaccording to claim 16, wherein the pressure drop over the dispensingchannel is between approximately 0.3 and 0.1 bar.
 19. An apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the dispensing channel adjacent a free endthereof widens to some extent.
 20. An apparatus according to claim 2,wherein the at least one connecting element is provided as clampingmeans with which the housing can be clamped onto a curled edge providedaround the valve.